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Member in Good Standing
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The Sanctuary Church of Christ - Statement of Beliefs/Faith
Scripture
We believe that the Bible, composed of the 73 books of the Old and New Testament, is the inspired word of God and without error in the original writing. The Bible was given by God through chosen people and thus reflects the backgrounds, styles, and vocabulary of human writers. The Bible is the full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice; there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. The Bible’s truth is timeless and speaks to our everyday lives.
Luke 21:33, 24:44; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21
God
We believe there is only one God, Creator and Lord of everything, infinitely perfect, all powerful, all knowing and eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (The Trinity).
Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 14:16-17, 16:23-27; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6
God The Father
We believe that the Father is Creator and Ruler of all. He is compassionate, loving and just toward all people and is faithful to keep His promises. He hears and answers prayer. He calls all people to believe in Him and saves from sin and eternal death each person who comes to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1; Matthew 7:7, 12:50; Ephesians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:4-5; Exodus 34:5-7
God The Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth fully God and fully man through a miraculous conception and virgin birth. He lived a sinless life and voluntarily died on the cross in our place as full payment for the sins of all people. He arose bodily from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven to the right hand of the Father where He is the only One who is able to provide access and reconciliation between God and people. He will return personally and visibly to earth and those who have believed in Him will be united with God eternally in Heaven. Those who have not believed in Him will be separated from God in Hell due to their sin.
Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 24:1-8; John 1:1-5, 1:14, 3:16, 3:18, 11:25, 14:6-7, 14:9-11, 14:16; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4, 5:8-11, 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:24-25; Titus 2:13-14; Revelation 19:20, 20:15
God The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Counselor and Helper sent for believers. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit who reveals God’s truth to the world and indwells believers to empower them for Godly life and service. We believe in the diversity of gifts given by the Spirit for the common good of the church and that they are operating today.
John 14:15-17, 14:25-26, 15:26, 16:5-15; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31
Salvation
We believe every person is disobedient to God’s desires and plans in varying degrees. Any disobedience to God, regardless of how large or small, is characterized as “sin.” “Sin” literally separates each person from God, which is spiritual death. Spiritual death is not God’s desire. People can be united with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and Him alone. Jesus died for sinners. Anyone who accepts, and believes in Jesus’ death for their personal sins, and desires to have Him as King of their life, is forgiven for every sin (with the exception of original sin – if not baptized). Baptism is a requirement for Salvation! Upon this personal decision, God re-establishes a personal relationship with that person and promises eternal life.
Romans 3:23-24, 5:12, 5:16, 6:23; Psalms 51:4-5; John 3:16, 14:6; Acts 4:12, 10:43; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 John 5:11-13
Church
We believe that all those, anywhere, who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord make up the one true church. The purpose of a local church is to organize Christians to reach unbelievers with the message of salvation, serve as a corporate body for worship of God, provide fellowship for Christians with each other, develop the gifts and talents of Christians for godly service, and practice baptism and communion. We believe baptism and communion are essential to be in union with Jesus Christ, and baptism is a prerequisite as means to salvation.
Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38-41, 42-47, 38-41; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:24-25, 13:17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, 12:12-13
Faith & Practice
Scripture is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. This church recognizes that it cannot bind the conscience of individual members in areas where scripture is silent. Rather, each believer is to be led in these areas by the Lord, to whom he or she alone is ultimately responsible. By adhering to God’s Word and seeking Him, we can best observe His greatest commandments, which are to love Him and others.
Romans 12:2, 14; 1 Corinthians 8 & 9, 10:23-11:1; Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 12:29-31; Romans 12:2; Deuteronomy 6:5
2nd Amendment/Pro 2A Stance
It is our stance that the constitution was written by the divine providence of God. Our church is very clear on our support of the 2nd Amendment, just as we are of the first. There are many references in the Bible about being armed to defend not only ourselves but those around us. Evil lurks at every door, as the lion. Psalm 144:1, David wrote: "Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle."
We believe God sanctioned self-defense: "If a thief is caught in the act of breaking into a house and is struck and killed in the process, the person who killed the thief is not guilty of murder." (Exodus 22:2, NLT) Also as Jesus was giving his farewell discourse to the disciples before going to the cross, he instructed the apostles to purchase side arms to carry for self-protection
A sword, as with a handgun or any firearm, in and of itself is not aggressive or violent. It is simply an object; it can be used either for good or for evil. Any weapon in the hands of someone intent on evil can be used for violent or wicked purposes. In fact, a weapon is not required for violence. The Bible doesn't tell us what kind of weapon the first murderer, Cain, used to kill his brother Abel in Genesis 4. Cain could have used a stone, a club, a sword, or perhaps even his bare hands. A weapon was not mentioned in the account.
Weapons in the hands of law-abiding, peace-loving citizens can be used for good purposes such as hunting, recreational and competitive sports, and keeping peace. Beyond self-defense, a person properly trained and prepared to use a firearm can actually deter crime, employing the weapon to protect innocent lives and prevent violent offenders from succeeding in their crimes
Scripture, we know, does not promote vengeance (Romans 12:17-19) or vigilantism, but it does allow believers to engage in self-defense, to resist evil, and to defend the defenseless.
To permit a murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. To watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In brief, not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil as an evil of commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally.
Ultimately, the decision to bear arms is a personal choice determined by one's own convictions. As a believer, the use of deadly force would be applied only as a last resort, when no other option is available, to prevent an evil from being committed and to protect human life.
We believe that the Bible, composed of the 73 books of the Old and New Testament, is the inspired word of God and without error in the original writing. The Bible was given by God through chosen people and thus reflects the backgrounds, styles, and vocabulary of human writers. The Bible is the full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice; there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. The Bible’s truth is timeless and speaks to our everyday lives.
Luke 21:33, 24:44; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21
God
We believe there is only one God, Creator and Lord of everything, infinitely perfect, all powerful, all knowing and eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (The Trinity).
Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 14:16-17, 16:23-27; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6
God The Father
We believe that the Father is Creator and Ruler of all. He is compassionate, loving and just toward all people and is faithful to keep His promises. He hears and answers prayer. He calls all people to believe in Him and saves from sin and eternal death each person who comes to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1; Matthew 7:7, 12:50; Ephesians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:4-5; Exodus 34:5-7
God The Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth fully God and fully man through a miraculous conception and virgin birth. He lived a sinless life and voluntarily died on the cross in our place as full payment for the sins of all people. He arose bodily from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven to the right hand of the Father where He is the only One who is able to provide access and reconciliation between God and people. He will return personally and visibly to earth and those who have believed in Him will be united with God eternally in Heaven. Those who have not believed in Him will be separated from God in Hell due to their sin.
Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 24:1-8; John 1:1-5, 1:14, 3:16, 3:18, 11:25, 14:6-7, 14:9-11, 14:16; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4, 5:8-11, 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:24-25; Titus 2:13-14; Revelation 19:20, 20:15
God The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Counselor and Helper sent for believers. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit who reveals God’s truth to the world and indwells believers to empower them for Godly life and service. We believe in the diversity of gifts given by the Spirit for the common good of the church and that they are operating today.
John 14:15-17, 14:25-26, 15:26, 16:5-15; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31
Salvation
We believe every person is disobedient to God’s desires and plans in varying degrees. Any disobedience to God, regardless of how large or small, is characterized as “sin.” “Sin” literally separates each person from God, which is spiritual death. Spiritual death is not God’s desire. People can be united with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and Him alone. Jesus died for sinners. Anyone who accepts, and believes in Jesus’ death for their personal sins, and desires to have Him as King of their life, is forgiven for every sin (with the exception of original sin – if not baptized). Baptism is a requirement for Salvation! Upon this personal decision, God re-establishes a personal relationship with that person and promises eternal life.
Romans 3:23-24, 5:12, 5:16, 6:23; Psalms 51:4-5; John 3:16, 14:6; Acts 4:12, 10:43; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 John 5:11-13
Church
We believe that all those, anywhere, who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord make up the one true church. The purpose of a local church is to organize Christians to reach unbelievers with the message of salvation, serve as a corporate body for worship of God, provide fellowship for Christians with each other, develop the gifts and talents of Christians for godly service, and practice baptism and communion. We believe baptism and communion are essential to be in union with Jesus Christ, and baptism is a prerequisite as means to salvation.
Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38-41, 42-47, 38-41; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:24-25, 13:17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, 12:12-13
Faith & Practice
Scripture is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. This church recognizes that it cannot bind the conscience of individual members in areas where scripture is silent. Rather, each believer is to be led in these areas by the Lord, to whom he or she alone is ultimately responsible. By adhering to God’s Word and seeking Him, we can best observe His greatest commandments, which are to love Him and others.
Romans 12:2, 14; 1 Corinthians 8 & 9, 10:23-11:1; Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 12:29-31; Romans 12:2; Deuteronomy 6:5
2nd Amendment/Pro 2A Stance
It is our stance that the constitution was written by the divine providence of God. Our church is very clear on our support of the 2nd Amendment, just as we are of the first. There are many references in the Bible about being armed to defend not only ourselves but those around us. Evil lurks at every door, as the lion. Psalm 144:1, David wrote: "Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle."
We believe God sanctioned self-defense: "If a thief is caught in the act of breaking into a house and is struck and killed in the process, the person who killed the thief is not guilty of murder." (Exodus 22:2, NLT) Also as Jesus was giving his farewell discourse to the disciples before going to the cross, he instructed the apostles to purchase side arms to carry for self-protection
A sword, as with a handgun or any firearm, in and of itself is not aggressive or violent. It is simply an object; it can be used either for good or for evil. Any weapon in the hands of someone intent on evil can be used for violent or wicked purposes. In fact, a weapon is not required for violence. The Bible doesn't tell us what kind of weapon the first murderer, Cain, used to kill his brother Abel in Genesis 4. Cain could have used a stone, a club, a sword, or perhaps even his bare hands. A weapon was not mentioned in the account.
Weapons in the hands of law-abiding, peace-loving citizens can be used for good purposes such as hunting, recreational and competitive sports, and keeping peace. Beyond self-defense, a person properly trained and prepared to use a firearm can actually deter crime, employing the weapon to protect innocent lives and prevent violent offenders from succeeding in their crimes
Scripture, we know, does not promote vengeance (Romans 12:17-19) or vigilantism, but it does allow believers to engage in self-defense, to resist evil, and to defend the defenseless.
To permit a murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. To watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In brief, not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil as an evil of commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally.
Ultimately, the decision to bear arms is a personal choice determined by one's own convictions. As a believer, the use of deadly force would be applied only as a last resort, when no other option is available, to prevent an evil from being committed and to protect human life.
Senior Pastor - Rev. David M. Biery, Th.D.
Preacher. Activist. Father. Author. Public speaker… Pastor David’s multifaceted career encompasses a host of talents and ministries. But the passion that fuels every expression burns from a single fire: Pastor David has dedicated his life to restoring the church as a community and helping people’s spiritual liberation from the inside out.
Pastor David’s life of service is a testament to the passion that drives him and the work that gives him joy. A pastor, former catholic priest & bishop, and a proud father, Pastor David holds the office of Senior Pastor with Saving Grace Ministries, The Sanctuary Church of Christ and The Global Christian Broadcast Network. All nondenominational organizations founded by Pastor David. Since their inception, these ministries have been a social and spiritual force within both the Christian and secular communities. More than that, it’s become a model for church-based community involvement, with programs that emphasize both leadership and spiritual growth.
Pastor David draws from a rich professional background that spans theology, pastoral counseling, corporate management, and deliverance ministry. He completed seminary training and has led churches that span the globe. Having created and grew the largest deliverance ministry in the world and personal involvement in 40,000 cases, he has the experience to help liberate with the help of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
His experience, faith, vision, and dedicated ministry allowed him to create ministries that re-established the church as a resource for the people and a pillar of community support. The work continues to enrich the communities he supports today. Pastor David’s infectious energy and open-hearted generosity are hallmarks of the blessings he bestows to all in his care.
His personal testimony is a testament of the of the love and redemptive power of Jesus Christ. He has been homeless, poor, alienated, divorced, shunned, attempted suicide, alcoholism, and fell out of the church. But Jesus saved him, and he can you as well. All you have to do it accept him, and put your troubles and sins at the foot of the cross.
Pastor David’s life of service is a testament to the passion that drives him and the work that gives him joy. A pastor, former catholic priest & bishop, and a proud father, Pastor David holds the office of Senior Pastor with Saving Grace Ministries, The Sanctuary Church of Christ and The Global Christian Broadcast Network. All nondenominational organizations founded by Pastor David. Since their inception, these ministries have been a social and spiritual force within both the Christian and secular communities. More than that, it’s become a model for church-based community involvement, with programs that emphasize both leadership and spiritual growth.
Pastor David draws from a rich professional background that spans theology, pastoral counseling, corporate management, and deliverance ministry. He completed seminary training and has led churches that span the globe. Having created and grew the largest deliverance ministry in the world and personal involvement in 40,000 cases, he has the experience to help liberate with the help of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
His experience, faith, vision, and dedicated ministry allowed him to create ministries that re-established the church as a resource for the people and a pillar of community support. The work continues to enrich the communities he supports today. Pastor David’s infectious energy and open-hearted generosity are hallmarks of the blessings he bestows to all in his care.
His personal testimony is a testament of the of the love and redemptive power of Jesus Christ. He has been homeless, poor, alienated, divorced, shunned, attempted suicide, alcoholism, and fell out of the church. But Jesus saved him, and he can you as well. All you have to do it accept him, and put your troubles and sins at the foot of the cross.
©Sanctuary Church of Christ
